Hi Darrin - hope you are well.
Even though it is not the newest model on the block, I think it is still hard to beat the (still current) Garmin 276C - there maybe some good deals around now.
It has the Garmin rugged build quality and operating system, proper buttons and largish good resolution colour screen - it even has some built in rechargeable battery capacity for temporary use outside the vehicle, albeit a bit large for hiking.
The optional windscreen sucker mount antenna works well through a Defender windscreen.
These anttenae are cheap enough on eBay now - I would take a spare, as for some reason I had one fail on me - maybe just bad luck..?
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=233
Garmin consider it more of a marine unit, but it can take the optional detailed road maps and offer Autorouting if required around town - but not strictly necessary for overlanding.
The standard built-in world base map is basic but still useful.
Whilst I haven't done it, I believe there is a donation based 3rd party download map of the world that works on Garmins - something like 'Sweaty Biker' or something - threads in this section of the HUBB.
I quite like trying out GPS systems.
I actually use a TomTom OneXL around town - it is very easy and quick to use, but not for serious overlanding.
I have played with a PDA setup - I don't think you would want to depend on them in serious overlanding situations - there are question marks over the stability of the operating system, and reliability in heat/vibration/dust conditions.
The downside of the Garmin 276C is that it doesn't take SD or similar memory cards, but needs exlusive Garmin memory sticks - but there are good deals on eBay for these.
Best regards,
James Stephenson
Defender 130 camper
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